Holy Week at Advent Anglican

Thursday & Friday, April 13 through 14: 24-Hour Prayer VigilOne of the longstanding traditions is to keep vigil the night preceding Jesus’ crucifixion—sunset Thursday through sunrise Good Friday. At Advent, we engage this practice remotely and carry it through from Thursday evening until the start of our Tenebrae service on Good Friday. Each participant signs up for a one-hour block of time. A provided PDF walks you through the hour, waiting with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and approaching the cross with him. Waking in the night to pray and meditate on our Lord’s sacrifice is powerful. To participate, please select a time on the sign-up sheet, at the table in the back.

Friday, April 14, 7.00-7.50pm: Good Friday TenebraeThe name “Tenebrae” (Latin for “darkness” or “shadows”) has developed through the centuries to apply to a variety of practices during Holy Week. Our parish’s tradition is to observe Tenebrae on the evening of Good Friday. We mark Christ’s moments from the Last Supper to the cross, speaking and chanting texts from Lamentations and the psalms. Dramatic elements shape our worship, such as the gradual extinguishing of candles and lights, until only a single candle remains, then is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of evil. We also the strip the altar, and in the dark silence a loud thud marks the shutting of the tomb.

Saturday, April 15, starting at 5.00pm: The Great Vigil of Easter & Break-the-Fast FeastThis is the summit of our church year! This is the great moment when we cross over with Christ from Lent into Easter, from the grave to resurrection! Join in The Great Vigil of Easter and hear a summary of the story of redemption through scripture readings, renew your baptismal vows, and add your volume to “The Great Noise” as we ring in the first Alleluia of Easter! (Don’t forget to bring something to ring or clang—or at least some keys to jingle!) Afterward, we continue our celebration with a Break-the-Fast Party! Bring a celebratory food or drink to share—something especially non-Lenten.

Sunday, April 16: Easter Sunday and Egg HuntEaster Sunday arrives! Celebrate this special Sunday with us. Afterward, kids are invited to join in an epic egg hunt throughout the woods. There will also be a contained egg hunt for our youngest parishioners. The egg hunt is "rain or shine," so bring a raincoat if needed, and don't forget your basket for the loot!